State of Colorado Issues Stay at Home Order

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has issued a Stay at Home executive order that is in effect until April 26 to control and slow the spread of COVID-19. As a result, Tri-County Health Department, which has public health jurisdiction over Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties, rescinded its own Stay at Home Public Health Order. The state's order requires that every Colorado resident stay at their place of residence and make every effort possible to conduct only essential activities necessary to maintain health and well-being, such as getting groceries, obtaining medical supplies or medication, and/or engaging in outdoor activities like walking, hiking or running while following other social distancing practices. Work to provide essential business and government services or perform essential public infrastructure construction, including housing, is also permitted. People at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and people who are sick are urged to stay in their residence except to seek medical care.

You can find a more detailed list of FAQs about the order here, but a few key points are listed below.

Residents should stay at home except for critical reasons:

Obtaining food and other household necessities

Going to and from work if you are a critical employee

Seeking medical care

Caring for dependents or pets

Caring for a vulnerable person in another location

Participating in outdoor recreation at a legally mandated safe distance of six feet or more from other parties

What businesses and organizations are exempt and open?

Please see the order for a complete list. Some of the key exemptions include:

Healthcare operations

Essential critical infrastructure as identified by the federal government-public safety personnel, law enforcement, fire prevention and rescue, municipal courts, City Council, water services, public works and related construction, and "all services needed to ensure the continuing operation of the government."